President Donald Trump waded into New York City’s heated mayoral race on Monday night, just hours before voters headed to the polls. In a series of Truth Social posts, he endorsed Andrew Cuomo while threatening to withhold federal funds if Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist candidate, wins the election.
The unexpected endorsement came as the city prepared for one of its most closely watched contests in years. The race features three prominent figures: Zohran Mamdani, a state assembly member known for his progressive platform; Andrew Cuomo, a former governor running as an independent; and Curtis Sliwa, the Republican founder of the Guardian Angels.
Trump’s message to voters was clear. “I would much rather see a Democrat, who has had a Record of Success, WIN, than a Communist with no experience and a Record of COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE,” he wrote on Truth Social. The statement, widely interpreted as a nod to Cuomo, quickly became one of the most discussed topics of the evening.
The president went further, warning that a Mamdani victory could lead to financial consequences for the city. “If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required,” Trump wrote. “I don’t want to send, as President, good money after bad.”
Political analysts say Trump’s remarks signal a strategic move to sway moderate voters in his hometown, where Republicans remain a minority. His decision to endorse Cuomo, a lifelong Democrat who left the party to run as an independent, highlights the unusual alliances forming ahead of Tuesday’s election.
At a campaign rally in Astoria, Queens, Mamdani responded to the president’s remarks. He said Trump’s support for Cuomo showed the administration’s preference for candidates who would cooperate with federal policies, not those who would challenge them. “This is about who will serve Donald Trump, not who will serve New Yorkers,” Mamdani told supporters.
The threat to restrict funding comes at a sensitive time for New York City. The White House has already clashed with state officials over infrastructure and transportation funding. Earlier this year, the administration withheld $18 billion for a major tunnel project during the ongoing government shutdown. It also faced a court order to restore $34 million in counterterrorism grants to the city, which a federal judge called a “blatant violation of the law.”
The possibility of further financial pressure has alarmed local leaders and community advocates, who fear that losing federal aid could harm public services, housing projects, and emergency response systems. New York depends on billions in federal assistance for critical programs ranging from transit upgrades to disaster recovery.
Cuomo, meanwhile, has stayed relatively quiet about Trump’s endorsement, focusing instead on his campaign message of leadership and experience. His team described the race as an opportunity to “bring stability and competence back to City Hall.”
Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate, has tried to position himself as the true conservative option but has struggled to gain traction. Trump’s support for Cuomo effectively sidelined Sliwa’s campaign, further fracturing the city’s right-leaning vote.
The last-minute drama has energized an already intense election. Voter turnout is expected to be high, with polling stations preparing for long lines across all five boroughs. Political observers say the outcome will reflect not only local concerns but also the broader national mood ahead of next year’s federal elections.
While Trump’s remarks drew criticism from both parties, his influence over Republican voters remains significant. His intervention underscores his continued presence in state and city politics and his willingness to use federal power to shape local outcomes.
As New Yorkers prepare to cast their ballots, the stakes extend far beyond city limits. The future mayor will face the challenge of rebuilding public trust, managing strained budgets, and navigating tense relations with Washington. For now, Trump’s threat to restrict federal support has turned the city’s election eve into a test of political loyalty and local resilience.
